November 21, 2023

Annual Purple Mass provides prayers, support for those affected by dementia

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

Members of the St. Michael’s Cathedral Gospel Choir sing during the 10th Annual Purple Mass for those afflicted with dementia and their caregivers.

SPRINGFIELD – Many whose family members and friends suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia attended the 10^th annual Purple Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield on Sunday Nov. 19 at 8:30 a.m.

Many wore purple attire with purple ribbons pinned to their clothing. Chief celebrant for the Mass was Msgr. Christopher Connelly, the rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral. In his homily, he said it is important to remember all those who could not be present for prayer and worship because they are confined to their homes, nursing homes and care facilities since they are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Msgr. Connelly shared a quote that he had heard about those suffering from this dreadful disease.

“It said to love a person is to learn the song in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten it,” he said. “With song and prayer and sacrament and fellowship today we do just that. May our Mass be a sign of our love, support and friendship as we worship our God.”

Msgr. Connelly thanked the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver for their tireless efforts sponsoring the Purple Mass over the past decade, which he said meant a lot prayers said for those affected by Alzheimer’s, which are all greatly needed. He said with Thanksgiving rapidly approaching it is important to recognize the many caregivers of dementia patients, since memory and gratitude go hand in hand.

Music throughout the Mass was provided by the St. Michael Gospel Choir. Barbara McBride Williamson the Mistress of Arms for the Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of St. Peter Claver, said it is significant to have the Purple Mass each year because several of the people attending have relatives who are suffering from dementia and can learn the proper steps in dealing with it and receive the support they are looking for. McBride Williamson’s own identical twin sister is suffering from dementia.

“Two of the ladies had parents pass away from dementia and that is when we decided to get involved because every year there are more and more of us going through Alzheimer’s and we are becoming caregivers as well. We are keeping them in our prayers we are praying for them daily and by having this Mass more people are coming out to learn about resources today,” said McBride Williams.

Zee Johnson gives a presentation following the Nov. 19 Purple Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

After Mass, refreshments were offered in the Bishop Marshall Center. A presentation was given by Zee Johnson, the chairperson of the Springfield Dementia Friendly Collation, about identifying the different aspects of dementia and to emphasize that when caring for someone with dementia it is imperative to understand the disease.

Johnson called on audience members to see if they could offer their own experiences and observations of other types of dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease. She offered a prayer that she shares for people who seem to become overwhelmed when having to deal with the effects of dementia.

“God, since you allowed it, help me to accept it. I know you know what is best. Help me not let the inconveniences of not understanding my life now make me resistant to what you are planning for my later on. This trial is developing something in me that you know I need for the next level of my life. I ask you to mold me and you are doing it. Thank you for your grace that is sufficient. I receive your strength that is made perfect in my weakness, amen,” recited Johnson.

Johnson said she was honored to be the guest speaker for the Purple Mass and share information with others. McBride Williamson was overjoyed that Johnson could provide much material and answer many questions that people present had about the disease.

On a personal level, McBride Williamson said she was grateful that Johnson provided her with plenty of resources that she was unaware of to help her in caring for her twin sister.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.